Go On An Art Walk You Can Sink Your Heart Into
“The art in this collection invites viewers to dig deeper and recognize that love exists in a variety of ways within our communities, our relationships and ourselves.” — Anne Lowe, Art Walks CLT
This year, you may not be able to celebrate with your Valentine the same way you did last February, but you can take a memorable stroll with him/her/them/yourself enjoying beautiful, love-themed art. (Holding hands is optional, but encouraged.) The Lovers Art Trail, created by Art Walks CLT, runs through the end of February and features 10 artworks dotted across the Charlotte area. PHOTO CREDIT (Above): Brooke Brown Photography
‘A labyrinth of secrets to unlock’
Charlotte poet Jay Ward offers the keys to poetry“For me, it’s constant revision. I’m always revising. I even revise my poems that have already been published.” – Jay Ward
Award-winning poet Jay Ward says poetry is for everyone. If you think you don’t like poetry, it may be that you didn’t like what you were forced to read in high school. His solution: Try a new genre. “If you like song lyrics,” he said, “you like poetry.” That’s advice you can take to the bank (especially if you work for a bank) because Ward is a National Poetry Slam champion. This is the second in a series of spotlights on three local poets.
When the going gets tough, the tough get creative:
Here’s how retailer blis is weathering the pandemic“I’d put as much merchandise as I could in tubs, put them in my car and take them home. My reaction from the get-go was that, luckily, we already had … Instagram. I decided to come home and keep trying.” – Whitney Ferguson, blis co-owner, on her transformation from retailer to e-tailer
Going from retailer to e-tailer takes grit, determination and … creativity. blis co-owner Whitney Ferguson summoned her own creative powers – and leaned on other creatives – to transform her gifting business during the ongoing pandemic.
The local media community is working incredibly hard to provide accurate, uplifting and actionable information to assist with the new realities we face. Here are some stories about Charlotte’s creativity we think are worth a read. Biscuit-Makers Matt Olin and Tim Miner gave WBTV’s QC Life five recommendations about creative ways couples can celebrate Valentine’s Day in Charlotte. The Charlotte Post shared an interview with Krista Terrell, acting president of the Arts & Science Council. We’ve written about West End Seafood Market’s #CountOnMeCLT window mural. Now WFAE interviews owner Bernetta Powell about how she’s kept her doors open and has hope for the future. We know about Theatre Charlotte’s current challenges due to fire damage; CLTURE wrote about the theatre’s history. Clothiers are among the most creative entrepreneurs in Charlotte. QCity Metro interviewed two of them about their lives and work during the pandemic.
PODCAST: CreativeMornings/Rewind with Irisol GonzalezPromise. It’s a big word made of only seven letters. From the youngest age, we’re taught to honor our promises to others and see them through to the end. No matter what. But, what about the promises we make to ourselves? At the February 2021 gathering of CreativeMornings/Charlotte, artist, activist and Costa Rican native Irisol Gonzalez spoke about the global theme of “Promise.” After immigrating to the United States at just 10 years old, Gonzales made a promise to herself that she would become a full-time artist. Today, she’s a staple community member among Charlotte artists. In this edition of CreativeMornings/Rewind, Head Biscuit Baker Tim Miner talks to Gonzalez about her personal promises and how she’s working with younger creatives and communities in Charlotte and abroad. Click the button below to listen. 
PHOTO CREDIT (above): Ernesto Moreno
Both professional artists and weekend painters following Bob Ross’ step-by-step instructions on TV love Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff with equal fervor. Professionals have known about the Remount Road resource since it came to town in 2007. A lot of beginner artists — many of whom took up art as a hobby during the pandemic lockdown — have discovered it, too. Prior to its Charlotte opening, local artists were willing to make the trek to its original location in Boone for brushes, canvases, paints and easels. And if you’re wondering how to make the best use of those supplies, Cheap Joe’s offers art classes. For now, they’re all online. Discover the lineup on their website. Directions: 316 Remount Rd. Charlotte, N.C. 28203
Don’t go ’round hungry. If you missed the last batch of The Biscuit, don’t worry. We’ve kept it warm for you. This batch featured: - An interview with poet Kia Flow, who is making her personal journey a universal one
- A 5-minute creative challenge featuring 19-year-old painter Xavier Cheek
- And more!
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